Our Perfect Weekend Slate

We’ve got five straight days of college football and plenty of chances to scout future NFL talent. This is one of the strongest opening weekends in recent memory — headlined by a top-five showdown between Texas and Ohio State, plus another top-ten clash between LSU and Clemson. And that’s just Saturday. Sunday brings yet another top-ten matchup with Notre Dame taking on Miami. Here’s the lineup we’ll be watching this weekend:

Thursday:

4:30 p.m. CT - #25 Boise State @ South Florida (ESPN) - Boise opens the post-Ashton Jeanty era with a new-look backfield, while USF Senior QB #17 Byrum Brown returns from an injury-shortened 2024 after flashing high-end dual-threat upside in 2023.
8:00 p.m. CT - Nebraska vs Cincinnati (ESPN) - True freshman QB #15 Dylan Raiola (2028 Eligible) makes his Huskers debut under Dana Holgorsen, paired with Kentucky transfer, Senior WR #6 Dane Key in a potentially explosive passing game.

Friday:

7:00 p.m. CT - Auburn @ Baylor (FOX) - Auburn features one of the nation’s top receiving duos in Sophomore WR #8 Cam Coleman (Film to Fantasy #7 2027 prospect) and Junior WR #1 Eric Singleton Jr., while Baylor RS Sophomore RB #30 Bryson Washington looks to follow up a 1,000-yard season.

Saturday:

11:00 a.m. CT – #1 Texas @ #3 Ohio State (FOX) - The marquee matchup of Week 1 — Film to Fantasy #1 prospects for both 2026 (Junior QB #16 Arch Manning) and 2027 (Sophomore WR #1 Jeremiah Smith) headline two rosters loaded with future NFL talent.
2:30 p.m. CT - #8 Alabama vs Florida State (ABC) - Alabama’s passing attack is led by Film to Fantasy #2 2027 prospect Sophomore WR #2 Ryan Williams, while Florida State counters with USC transfer WR #0 Duce Robinson and five-star freshman RB #32 Ousmane Kromah.
6:30 p.m. CT - #9 LSU @ #4 Clemson (ABC) - A primetime playoff-caliber matchup — LSU is led by Film to Fantasy #4 2026 prospect, Senior QB #18 Garrett Nussmeier, with Sophomore RB #29 Caden Durham and Freshman RB #22 Harlem Berry. On the other side, Clemson is led by Film to Fantasy #5 2026 prospect QB #2 Cade Klubnik, who throws to an elite young WR trio of Bryant Wesco, TJ Moore, and Antonio Williams.
10:00 pm CT - Utah @ UCLA (FOX) - Not technically Pac-12 After Dark, but it has the feel. Utah QB #4 Devon Dampier and RB #1 Wayshawn Parker bring a physical run game to face UCLA QB #9 Nico Iamaleava and RB #21 Jaivian Thomas in a late-night West Coast showdown.

Sunday:

2:00 p.m. CT - Virginia Tech @ #13 South Carolina (ESPN) - South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is one of the most exciting dual-threat passers in the country, joined by Utah State transfer RB Rahsul Faison. Virginia Tech leans on Bowling Green transfer RB Terion Stewart to keep pace.
6:30 p.m. CT - #6 Notre Dame @ #10 Miami (ABC) - Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (F2F #2 2026 prospect) leads a deep Irish skill group, while Miami’s Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck works with a balanced backfield in Mark Fletcher and Jordan Lyle.

Monday:

7:00 p.m. CT - TCU @ UNC (ESPN) - TCU QB Josh Hoover returns after a near-4,000-yard season, with WR Eric McAlister as his primary weapon. UNC hands the offense to South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez, paired with sophomore RB Davion Gause.

Other Games This Weekend To Consider:

Thursday 6:00 p.m. CT - East Carolina @ NC State (ACCN) - If you have the ACC Network, this is a good opportunity to watch ECU and Sophomore WR #1 Yannick Smith (2027 Eligible) take on one of their season’s toughest opponents.
Friday 7:00 p.m. CT - Georgia Tech @ Colorado (ESPN) - What does life for Colorado look like after Shedur Sanders? This will be the first opportunity to see Liberty transfer Senior QB #7 Kaidon Salter (2026 Eligible) in Boulder.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. CT - Syracuse @ #24 Tennessee - Tennessee debuts a new-look passing game; early WR chemistry could hint at breakout candidates.
Saturday 10:00 p.m. CT - Colorado State @ Washington (BTN) - Washington Senior RB #1 Jonah Coleman (2026 Eligible), is one of the better RBs in the 2026 class, but there will be more opportunities to see Washington against better opponents later in the season.

Thursday Afternoon

#25 Boise State @ South Florida - 4:30 pm (ESPN)

Boise State begins life without Ashton Jeanty, leaning on a veteran QB and a balanced skill group, while USF welcomes back dynamic QB Byrum Brown after an injury-shortened 2024. Both teams bring experienced offensive leaders and intriguing complementary pieces, making this a solid early-season scouting spot.

Boise State Broncos

Matt Lauter – TE #85 – 6'4", 230 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 47 catches, 619 yards, 7 TD. Reliable target with size to work the middle and red-zone prowess.
Watch for: Seam route usage and third-down target share.

Other Boise Players to Watch:

Maddux Madsen – QB #4 – 5'10", 201 lbs, RS Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – 2024: 247/396 (62.4%), 3,018 yards, 23 TD, 6 INT | 57 carries, 221 yards, 5 TD. Mobile, accurate passer with solid pocket feel.
Sire Gaines – RB #26 – RS Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible – Young back in line for early touches; one-cut style runner.
Malik Sherrod – RB #8 – 5'7", 175 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Transfer from Fresno State. Career: 324 carries, 1,634 yards, 15 TD. Compact runner with burst through the hole.

South Florida Bulls

Byrum Brown – QB #17 – 6'3", 209 lbs, RS Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Missed most of 2024 due to injury. 2023: 276/427 (64.6%), 3,292 yards, 26 TD, 11 INT | 203 carries, 809 yards, 11 TD. Dual-threat QB with big-play rushing ability.
Watch for: Mobility post-injury and deep-ball timing.

Other USF Players to Watch:

Keshaun Singleton – WR #11 – Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Young receiver with emerging YAC ability.
Cartevious Norton – RB #5 – Senior – 2025 Draft Eligible – Physical runner who can wear down defenses late in games.

Thursday Night

Nebraska vs Cincinnati - 8:00 pm (ESPN)

All eyes will be on Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola as he enters his second season with the Huskers, now paired with Kentucky transfer WR Dane Key to spark the passing attack. Cincinnati counters with one of the most experienced tight ends in the country and a veteran backfield presence, giving scouts plenty to evaluate on both sides.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Dylan Raiola – QB #15 – 6'3", 230 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
2024: 275/410 (67.1%), 13 TD, 11 INT. Former five-star recruit with prototypical size and arm strength.
Watch for: Improved decision-making and red-zone execution.

Dane Key – WR #6 – 6'3", 210 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Kentucky. 2024: 27 catches, 715 yards, 2 TD | Career: 126 catches, 1,870 yards, 14 TD. Physical outside receiver with downfield ball skills.
Watch for: Chemistry with Raiola on vertical routes.

Other Nebraska Players to Watch:

Emmett Johnson – RB #21 – Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Versatile runner capable of handling early-down and passing-game duties.
Nyziah Hunter – WR #13 – Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Transfer from Cal; athletic wideout with burst.
Jacory Barney – WR #2 – Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Young playmaker who can stretch the field.

Cincinnati Bearcats

Joe Royer – TE #11 – 6'5", 240 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 50 catches, 521 yards, 3 TD. Reliable chain-mover with size to create mismatches against linebackers.
Watch for: Usage in the middle of the field and in red-zone sets.

Tawee Walker – RB #3 – 5'8", 218 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Wisconsin (via Oklahoma). 2024: 190 carries, 864 yards, 11 TD. Compact, powerful runner with proven goal-line production.
Watch for: Pad level and yards after contact against a physical front.

Other Cincinnati Players to Watch:

Brendan Sorsby – QB – Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Transfer QB with mobility and solid arm strength; expected to push the offense vertically.

Friday Night

Auburn @ Baylor – 7:00 PM (FOX)

This matchup has legitimate NFL-caliber skill talent on one sideline (Auburn) and a potential breakout RB on the other (Baylor). It’s also an early litmus test for Auburn’s transfer-infused offense under Hugh Freeze against a physical Baylor defense.

Auburn Tigers

Cam Coleman – WR #8 – 6'3", 197 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible - Film to Fantasy #7 2027 Prospect
37 catches, 598 yards, 8 TDs in 2024. Former 5-star recruit (#4 national, #1 Alabama) with a size/speed combo that screams early-round NFL potential.
Watch for: Route refinement and contested-catch consistency.

Eric Singleton Jr. – WR #1 – 5'10", 180 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
56 catches, 754 yards, 3 TDs in 2024, plus 21 carries for 131 yards and 1 TD. Transfer from Georgia Tech with elite YAC ability and gadget usage.
Watch for: Separation vs. press coverage and big-play consistency.

Jackson Arnold – QB #11 – 6'1", 219 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Career: 198/315 (62.9%), 1,984 yards, 16 TD, 6 INT; 181 carries, 560 yards, 4 TD. Transfer from Oklahoma with dual-threat upside.
Watch for: Decision-making and deep-ball accuracy.

Baylor Bears

Bryson Washington – RB #30 – 6'0", 210 lbs, RS Sophomore – 2026 Draft Eligible
175 carries, 1,028 yards, 12 TD; 22 catches, 217 yards, 1 TD in 2024. Physical runner with soft hands and chain-moving ability.
Watch for: Burst through the hole and efficiency against Auburn’s front seven.

Other Names to Monitor (Possible deep-sleepers for 2026)

Josh Cameron– WR/PR #34 – 6'0", 200 lbs, 5th-Year Senior – Steady hands, chain-mover, 5th-year senior.
Michael Trigg – TE #1 – 6'3", 245 lbs, 5th-Year Senior – Former blue-chip TE prospect, flashes mismatch potential.
Kobe Prentice – WR #6 – 5'10", 190 lbs, Senior – Alabama transfer with slot quickness, needs volume to pop.

Saturday Early

#1 Texas @ #3 Ohio State - 11:00 am (FOX)

This is the marquee matchup of Week 1 and an absolute gift for dynasty scouts — featuring the Film to Fantasy #1 overall prospects for both the 2026 (Arch Manning) and 2027 (Jeremiah Smith) draft classes, surrounded by a deep cast of potential early-round NFL talent. Between Texas’ balanced offensive firepower and Ohio State’s elite skill position depth, nearly every snap will carry long-term fantasy implications.

Texas Longhorns

Arch Manning – QB #16 – 6'4", 219 lbs, RS Sophomore – 2026 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #1 2026 Prospect
2024: 61/90 (67.8%), 939 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT | 25 carries, 108 yards, 4 TD. Former 5-star recruit from the Manning lineage, now the face of Texas football. Showed elite efficiency in limited 2024 work; full-time starter in 2025.
Watch for: Poise vs. elite pass rush and ability to push the ball vertically.

Ryan Wingo – WR #5 – 6'2", 210 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible - Film to Fantasy #5 2027 Prospect
2024: 29 catches, 472 yards, 2 TD | 5 carries, 100 yards. Former 5-star prospect with blend of size, speed, and open-field explosiveness.
Watch for: Route precision and timing with Manning against NFL-caliber corners.

Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner – RB #26 – 6'0", 194 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 226 carries, 1,064 yards, 5 TD | 44 catches, 311 yards, 1 TD. Productive dual-threat back with proven three-down skill set.
Watch for: Role clarity with Baxter returning from injury.

CJ Baxter – RB #4 – 6'1", 227 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Missed 2024 after torn ACL & PCL in fall camp. 2023: 138 carries, 659 yards, 5 TD | 24 catches, 156 yards. Power back with good hands; medical recovery is the question.
Watch for: Burst and contact balance post-injury.

Other Texas Names to Monitor:

Emmett Mosley – WR #10 – 6'2", 190 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible- Transfer from Stanford. Fluid mover with quick releases, looking to carve a role in a loaded receiver room.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Jeremiah Smith – WR #4 – 6'3", 223 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #1 2027 Prospect
2024: 76 catches, 1,315 yards, 15 TD | 6 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD. Dominant true freshman campaign; prototype WR1 size with polish.
Watch for: How he handles bracket coverage from an elite defense.

Carnell Tate – WR #17 – 6'3", 195 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 52 catches, 733 yards, 4 TD. Smooth, reliable target with NFL frame and strong hands.
Watch for: Chemistry with a new QB and ability to separate deep.

Julian Sayin – QB #10 – 6'1", 207 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
Former #1 QB recruit in 2024 class, transferred from Alabama after Saban’s retirement. Named starter after winning fall camp battle.
Watch for: Comfort in Ryan Day’s system and decision-making under pressure.

Max Klare – TE #86 – 6'5", 243 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Purdue. 2024: 51 catches, 685 yards, 4 TD. Reliable target with size and catch radius, capable of working the seam and winning contested balls.
Watch for: Role in red-zone packages and chemistry with Sayin.

Other OSU Players to Watch:

What the running back touches split looks like between:
- James Peoples – RB #20 – 5'10", 203 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Explosive one-cut runner; could earn lead role.
- CJ Donaldson – RB #12 – 6'2", 240 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Power back transfer from West Virginia; short-yardage hammer.
- Bo Jackson – RB #25 – 6'0", 210 lbs, Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible – Highly-touted freshman; early touches will be telling.
Quincy Porter – WR #11 – 6'4", 210 lbs, Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible – Big-bodied vertical target; could carve out red-zone role.

Saturday Afternoon

#8 Alabama vs Florida State – 2:30 PM (ABC)

Alabama enters 2025 with a retooled passing attack led by Film to Fantasy’s #2 overall 2027 prospect Ryan Williams and a deep mix of transfers and veterans around QB Ty Simpson. Florida State brings in their own high-upside additions, including USC transfer Duce Robinson and true freshman RB Ousmane Kromah. With both teams introducing key new playmakers, this matchup offers an early look at how quickly these revamped offenses can gel — and a prime scouting opportunity for future NFL talent.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

Ryan Williams – WR #2 – 6'0", 175 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #2 2027 Prospect
2024: 48 catches, 865 yards, 8 TD | 4 carries, 48 yards, 2 TD. Electric playmaker with track speed and advanced route skills for his age. Already projects as a future first-round pick.
Watch for: Vertical separation and usage in motion to create mismatches.

Ty Simpson – QB #15 – 6'2", 208 lbs, RS Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Consensus five-star recruit, #25 overall and #3 QB in 2022 class. Finally in position to lead Alabama’s offense full-time.
Watch for: Pocket poise and timing with a retooled receiving corps.

Germie Bernard – WR #5 – 6'1", 204 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 50 catches, 794 yards, 2 TD | 4 carries, 37 yards, 1 TD. Productive at multiple stops (Michigan State, Washington, Alabama). Smooth mover with reliable hands.
Watch for: Intermediate route production and red-zone efficiency.

Jamarion “Sam” Miller – RB #26 – 5'10", 220 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 145 carries, 668 yards, 7 TD | 16 catches, 155 yards, 1 TD. Compact, powerful back with enough speed to threaten the second level.
Watch for: Role split in the backfield and pass-protection reps.

Other Alabama Names to Watch:

Jalen Hale – WR #8 – 6'1", 190 lbs, RS Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Flashes vertical threat potential.
Isaiah Horton – WR #1 – 6'3", 205 lbs, RS Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Transfer from Miami (FL), physical at the catch point.

Florida State Seminoles

Tommy Castellanos – QB #1 – 5'11", 196 lbs, Senior – 2025 Draft Eligible - Dynamic dual-threat transfer from Boston College who can stress defenses with mobility.
Ousmane Kromah – RB #32 – 5'11", 205 lbs, Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible - Highly-touted true freshman with explosive traits and contact balance.
Duce Robinson – WR #0 – 6'6", 225 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible - Transfer from USC with a basketball background and rare size/speed combo.

Saturday Night

#9 LSU @ #4 Clemson – 6:30 PM (ABC)

A primetime battle loaded with NFL-caliber skill talent on both sidelines. LSU rolls out Film to Fantasy’s #4 2026 prospect Garrett Nussmeier and a dynamic backfield duo of Caden Durham and five-star freshman Harlem Berry. Clemson counters with Film to Fantasy’s #5 2026 prospect Cade Klubnik and one of the most dangerous young WR trios in the country. This is a true playoff-level showcase with heavy dynasty scouting implications.

LSU Tigers

Garrett Nussmeier – QB #18 – 6'1", 205 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #4 2026 Prospect
2024: 337/525 (64.2%), 4,052 yards, 29 TD, 12 INT | 3 rushing TDs. Pro-ready pocket passer with aggressive downfield mentality.
Watch for: Decision-making under pressure and red-zone efficiency.

Caden Durham – RB #29 – 5'9", 205 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
2024: 140 carries, 753 yards, 6 TD | 28 catches, 260 yards, 2 TD. Compact, quick-footed back with legitimate receiving chops.
Watch for: Usage split with Harlem Berry and third-down involvement.

Harlem Berry – RB #22 – 5'11", 190 lbs, Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible
Five-star, No. 1 RB in the 2025 class; Louisiana state champion sprinter. Brings elite speed and all-around skill set.
Watch for: Explosiveness in space and early role in high-leverage situations.

Aaron Anderson – WR #1 – 5'8", 188 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 61 catches, 884 yards, 5 TD. Shifty slot receiver with big-play burst and return value.
Watch for: Separation quickness and usage in motion.

Trey’Dez Green – TE #14 – 6'7", 244 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
2024: 13 catches, 101 yards, 4 TD. Huge red-zone target with basketball-style body control.
Watch for: Target share between the 20s vs. pure goal-line usage.

Other LSU Players to Watch (Which WRs will Nussmeier connect with?):

Chris Hilton – WR #2 – 6'0", 182 lbs, RS Senior – 2025 Draft Eligible – Veteran deep threat with track speed; role clarity will be key.
Zavion Thomas – WR #0 – 5'11", 185 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Shifty slot option who can also contribute in the return game.
Nic Anderson – WR #4 – 6'4", 209 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Oklahoma transfer with size and contested-catch ability.
Barion Brown – WR #6 – 6'1", 173 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Kentucky transfer with explosive vertical speed and YAC upside.

Clemson Tigers

Cade Klubnik – QB #2 – 6'2", 205 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #5 2026 Prospect
2024: 308/486 (63.4%), 3,639 yards, 36 TD, 6 INT | 119 carries, 463 yards, 7 TD. Athletic leader with improved ball security and dual-threat ability.
Watch for: Accuracy in tight windows and timing with WRs on vertical routes.

Bryant Wesco – WR #12 – 6'2", 180 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #4 2027 Prospect
2024: 41 catches, 708 yards, 5 TD. Long, fluid athlete with top-tier body control.
Watch for: Deep-threat efficiency and contested catch success rate.

TJ Moore – WR #1 – 6'3", 200 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
2024: 45 catches, 651 yards, 5 TD. Physical outside receiver with a knack for winning 50/50 balls.
Watch for: Red-zone usage and production after the catch.

Antonio Williams – WR #0 – 5’11”, 190 lbs, RS Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 75 catches, 904 yards, 11 TD | 7 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD. Versatile, dependable weapon with strong hands and polished routes.
Watch for: Ability to operate at all three levels against LSU’s secondary.

Other Clemson Players to Watch:

Gideon Davidson – RB #9 – 6'0", 200 lbs, Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible – Five-star RB recruit with a three-down skill set; could earn early snaps.

Saturday After Dark

Utah @ UCLA – 10:00 PM (FOX)

It’s not technically “Pac-12 After Dark” anymore, but the spirit is alive in this late-night West Coast clash. Utah’s ground-heavy attack features a dual-threat QB and a transfer RB ready to make an impact, while UCLA rolls out one of the most intriguing/controversial young QBs in the country in Nico Iamaleava. For dynasty scouts, this game offers a prime look at two backfields in transition and a potential first-round QB.

Utah Utes

Devon Dampier – QB #4 – 5'11", 204 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from New Mexico. 2024: 226/390 (57.9%), 2,768 yards, 12 TD, 12 INT | 155 carries, 1,166 yards, 19 TD. Dynamic runner with red-zone rushing dominance and developing passing chops.
Watch for: Passing efficiency against a fast UCLA defense.

Wayshawn Parker – RB #1 – 6'0", 199 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Washington State. 2024: 137 carries, 725 yards, 4 TD | 11 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD. Upright runner with good vision and acceleration.
Watch for: Role in the passing game and explosiveness in space.

UCLA Bruins

Nico Iamaleava – QB #9 – 6'6", 215 lbs, RS Sophomore – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Tennessee. 2024: 213/334 (63.8%), 2,616 yards, 19 TD, 5 INT | 109 carries, 358 yards, 3 TD. Long, athletic passer with natural arm talent and mobility to extend plays.
Watch for: Timing and rhythm in the vertical passing game.

Jaivian Thomas – RB #21 – 5'11", 195 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from California. 2024: 100 carries, 626 yards, 7 TD | 11 catches, 91 yards. Shifty runner who can create yardage after contact.
Watch for: Usage split in the backfield and involvement on passing downs.

Sunday Afternoon

Virginia Tech @ #13 South Carolina – 2:00 PM (ESPN)

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is one of the most intriguing dual-threat passers in the country, and he’ll open the season against a Virginia Tech squad breaking in Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart at RB. Both teams feature transfer additions in their backfields, making this a useful early-season evaluation for dynasty purposes.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Terion Stewart – RB #8 – 5'10", 225 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Bowling Green. 2024: 166 carries, 898 yards, 6 TD. Physical, downhill runner who thrives between the tackles.
Watch for: How he adjusts to ACC-level defenses and maintains efficiency.

South Carolina Gamecocks

LaNorris Sellers – QB #16 – 6'3", 240 lbs, RS Sophomore – 2026 Draft Eligible - Film to Fantasy #6 2026 Prospect
2024: 196/299 (65.6%), 2,534 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT | 166 carries, 674 yards, 7 TD. Big-bodied dual-threat with the arm to stretch the field and the size to punish defenders in the run game.
Watch for: Passing consistency and decision-making against zone coverage.

Rahsul Faison – RB #1 – 6'0", 218 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Utah State. Two seasons: 316 carries, 1,845 yards, 13 TD | 33 catches, 151 yards. Versatile runner with proven production and size to handle a heavy workload.
Watch for: Integration into the Gamecocks’ offense and usage in the passing game.

Sunday Night

#6 Notre Dame @ #10 Miami – 6:30 PM (ABC)

A primetime top-10 matchup loaded with backfield talent. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love enters 2025 as Film to Fantasy’s #2 2026 prospect, the engine behind one of the most balanced offenses in the country. Miami counters with Georgia transfer Carson Beck under center and a physical 1-2 punch at RB. Both teams bring future NFL skill players, making this a must-watch for dynasty scouts.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jeremiyah Love – RB #4 – 6'0", 214 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Film to Fantasy #2 2026 Prospect
2024: 163 carries, 1,125 yards, 17 TD | 28 catches, 237 yards, 2 TD. Explosive, decisive runner with three-down versatility.
Watch for: Inside running power against Miami’s front and involvement in the passing game.

Jaden Greathouse – WR #1 – 6'1", 212 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 42 catches, 592 yards, 4 TD. Physical possession receiver who can work the middle of the field.
Watch for: Chain-moving reliability and red-zone targets.

Malachi Fields – WR #0 – 6'4", 205 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Virginia. Two straight seasons with 50+ catches, 800+ yards, and 5 TDs.
Watch for: Immediate chemistry with Notre Dame’s QB and contested catch success.

Other Notre Dame Players to Watch:

CJ Carr – QB #13 – 6'3", 210 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible – Former top recruit returning from an elbow injury.

Miami Hurricanes

Carson Beck – QB #11 – 6'4", 215 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from Georgia. 2024: 290/448 (64.7%), 3,485 yards, 28 TD, 12 INT | 55 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD. Experienced pocket passer with a strong arm and SEC pedigree.
Watch for: Decision-making under pressure and vertical accuracy.

Mark Fletcher – RB #4 – 6'2", 225 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 112 carries, 607 yards, 9 TD | 10 catches, 106 yards. Power back who thrives in short-yardage situations.
Watch for: Early-down usage vs. speed back Jordan Lyle.

Jordan Lyle – RB #2 – 6'0", 190 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
2024: 54 carries, 400 yards, 4 TD. Slashing runner with breakaway speed.
Watch for: Big-play opportunities in outside zone runs.

Other Miami Players to Watch:

Joshisa Trader – WR #1 – 6'1", 175 lbs, Freshman – 2028 Draft Eligible – Highly-touted recruit with early playing time potential.

Monday Night

TCU @ UNC – 7:00 PM (ESPN)

The final game of opening weekend features two quarterbacks stepping into big roles for 2025. TCU’s Josh Hoover returns after throwing for nearly 4,000 yards last season, while UNC hands the offense to South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez. This one should offer a clean read on both passing games and a chance to evaluate some under-the-radar talent.

TCU Horned Frogs

Josh Hoover – QB #10 – 6'2", 200 lbs, RS Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
024: 313/471 (66.5%), 3,949 yards, 27 TD, 11 INT | 4 rushing TDs. Accurate pocket passer with experience in high-volume passing attacks.
Watch for: Efficiency against UNC’s secondary and poise under pressure.

Eric McAlister – WR #1 – 6'3", 193 lbs, Senior – 2026 Draft Eligible
2024: 39 catches, 762 yards, 5 TD. Big-bodied outside receiver with vertical playmaking ability.
Watch for: Deep-ball chemistry with Hoover.

Other TCU Players to Watch:

Jordan Dwyer – WR #7 – 6'1", 195 lbs, Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible – Transfer from Idaho who posted 78 catches, 1,192 yards, and 12 TDs in 2024; quick-footed route runner with reliable hands.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Gio Lopez – QB #7 – 6'0", 220 lbs, RS Sophomore – 2026 Draft Eligible
Transfer from South Alabama. 2024: 206/312 (66.0%), 2,559 yards, 18 TD, 5 INT | 83 carries, 463 yards, 7 TD. Dual-threat QB with the ability to extend plays and produce on the ground.
Watch for: Comfort in UNC’s scheme and decision-making in the RPO game.

Davion Gause – RB #21 – 5’11”, 215 lbs, Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
2024: 67 carries, 326 yards, 4 TD. Physical runner with solid contact balance.
Watch for: Early-down role and involvement in short-yardage situations.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re either as obsessed with scouting college talent as we are — or you just really like reading about football. Either way, you’re ready for five straight days of wall-to-wall action and future NFL stars on display. Grab your notebook, fire up the group chat, and settle in. Week 1 is here, and the Perfect Weekend Slate is about to deliver.

Campus Scouting Guide - Week 1 2025